H.R. 61 Summary

• Urges the establishment of a Koreatown in Hawaii, recognizing the long history of Korean immigration and cultural contributions to the state.

• Directs the Office of Planning, in coordination with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, to develop a master plan for Koreatown development.

• Master plan must include area boundaries, investment incentives with Korea, a museum and cultural center highlighting Korean contributions, and specialized design plans reflecting Korean architecture.

• Office of Planning must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 Regular Session convenes.

• Notes Korean visitor arrivals increased from 35,008 in 2005 to 100,172 in 2011, with Census Tracts 36.01 and 36.02 identified as the Korean business district containing approximately 18 percent of Hawaii's Korean population.